A Canticle for Leibowitz is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel by American writer Walter M. Miller, Jr., first published in 1960. Based on three short stories Miller contributed to The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, it is the only novel published by the author during his lifetime. Considered one of the classics of science fiction, it has never been out of print and has seen over 25 reprints and editions. Appealing to mainstream and genre critics and readers alike, it won the 1961 Hugo Award for best science fiction novel.

Set in a Roman Catholic monastery in the desert of the southwestern United States after a devastating nuclear war, the story spans thousands of years as civilization rebuilds itself. The monks of the Albertian Order of Leibowitz take up the mission of preserving the surviving remnants of man's scientific knowledge until the day the outside world is again ready for it.

Inspired by the author's participation in the Allied bombing of the monastery at Monte Cassino during World War II, the novel is considered a masterpiece by literary critics. It has been compared favorably with the works of Evelyn Waugh, Graham Greene, and Walker Percy, and its themes of religion, recurrence, and church versus state have generated a significant body of scholarly research.


This 15 part serial is based on the novel by Walter M. Miller, Jr. published in 1959. The story had previously been published as a series of novellas in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science. The book won the Hugo award winner for best science fiction novels of all time.

The radio drama adaptation by John Reed, and produced at WHA by Carl Schmidt and Marv Nunn.

The play was directed by Karl Schmidt, engineered by Marv Nunn with special effects by Vic Marsh.

Narrator - Carol Collins and includes Fred Coffin, Bart Hayman, Herb Hartig and Russel Horton.

Music was by Greg Fish and Bob Budney and the Edgewood College Chant Group.


This audio is part of the collection: Old Time Radio
It also belongs to collection: Radio Programs

Keywords: sci-fi; fantasy; futuristic; drama

Creative Commons license: Public Domain Mark 1.0

Individual Files

Write a review
Downloaded 23,135 times Reviews
Average Rating:

Reviewer: MisterMcAtCCA - - December 17, 2012
Subject: A great, thought provoking story
This is top notch fiction. It was likely the genesis of many other post-apocalyptic stories. The performances and production values are first rate.

Reviewer: sredni - - August 20, 2012
Subject: Please correct spelling.
Love the book, and can't wait to listen to this -- but it's Leibowitz, not Liebowitz. (And while we're at it, how does Carl become Karl within less than 25 words?)

Reviewer: toby jug - - August 18, 2012
Subject: Radio at its best
I spent yesterday listening to the whole series, I had never heard of it before and listened to it with an open mind....It is some of the best sci fi I have heard and I am off to order the book/books from the net........

Reviewer: cwreenactor - - August 15, 2012
Subject: A Great Audiodrama
This NPR audiodrama is excellent. I highly recommend it. I had heard this years ago, but I just had to listen to it again. It holds up very well.

Reviewer: fstemp - - August 7, 2012
Subject: A great production!
This is as good as the book in a radio play format. Well worth you time and you will be so very entertained!!

Reviewer: mamkpa - - March 6, 2012
Subject: An Extraordinary Read
I've been meaning to read this book for the past forty years. Several friends recommended it to me in the 70's. I finally had time to listen to the audio.

It did not disappoint. I wrote a Biblical themed eBook sci-fi book called 'The Genesis Enigma,' so I can appreciate this type of sci-fi. this should have won more than the Hugo award. It definitely qualifies as real literature. It also defines who and what we are as a species. Insanity really is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

This audio book really has made me a better person.

Reviewer: pahool - - February 1, 2012
Subject: Amazing production
An excellent production of Canticle that really does the book justice. This is a full dramatization, complete with music, sound effects, and a full cast. Well worth the download

Reviewer: Vic Demise - - March 11, 2011
Subject: Highly recommended...
This is not your typical 50s-60s sci-fi radio. This is deep. Take your time, enjoy it as the centuries unfold.